in the field
july 16, 1945


dearest fely,

i got your letter of the 4th and of course it made me very happy.

we have advanced a long way since i wrote my last letter and we are now in lepanto. part of this town is still in enemy hands but we expect to drive them out completely in a few more days. there's still a lot of fighting to be done in this area as it is the jap's bataan. this is their very last stand in the whole of luzon. i'm afraid our outfit can't have a rest until we clear the area completely and it seems it will take quite a while yet especially now that the rainy season has set in. however, our morale is very high and we are very eager to push onward and onward in spite of everything because everybody is in a hurry to get this war over with and go home. here's hoping they won't send us to china after this!

to give you an idea of how i've spent the last few months, i've been living in foxholes ever since the 1st of april. i guess i'll feel very uneasy when i go back to live in a real house and lie on a soft bed again. i've lost a lot of weight too because i just can't eat this army food anymore aside from the hard work and constant strain of fighting. however, when everything's quiet as the day ends, i find a lot of solace and happiness in the thought that somewhere somebody like you is waiting for me. it makes me forget there's a war on for a while until i hear our sentry's rifle firing at a suspicious movement among the bushes. yes, even out here on the front up in the mountains there are moments of peace and quiet. sometimes we pick up beautiful music on our radio. the only trouble is that such moments don't last. there are so many things to remind one that he's fighting a war. it's only when one falls asleep that everything is quiet and peaceful that is if the japs don't come creeping up and stage a banzai attack. well, such is war and the best thing one can do is to be realistic and do his share in winning it as soon as possible.

i'm so glad to know that you went to baguio and met my folks. it's too bad i couldn't be there to meet you. i'm also very happy that your parents don't object to your marrying me. i was sure they'd understand. as far as i'm concerned i'm willing to have it the way they want. afterall what really matter is that we get married without having to displease anyone.

(i'm watching our planes bomb the japs right now and i'm writing this letter between dives)

darling, i guess i'll have to stop now. the planes have stopped bombing and the boys will go forward and there's work to do. i'll write you again soon.

well, so long honey and may God be with you always. i love you, i love you and - i love you.

yours,
ely